Monolithically Integrated Polycrystalline Silicon Thin-Film Mini-Modules on Glass

A new concept for the fabrication of polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si) thin-film photovoltaic modules on glass is presented. The concept is based on the formation of individual cells with interdigitated contacts, followed by cell interconnection using stencil printing. The metallisation of the individual thin-film poly-Si solar cells is realised with the self-aligning maskless photolithography (SAMPL) method. The effects of post-fabrication treatments (baking and etching) and Si sidewall profile on the performance of individual cells are investigated. The monolithic series interconnection of neighbouring cells is achieved by printing silver paste to connect the air-side contact of one cell with the glass-side contact of the adjacent solar cell. The limitations on efficiency are analysed by Suns-V_oc measurements. First experimental results for a thin-film mini-module with three individual cells are presented, showing that this new method is a promising technology for the fabrication of poly-Si on glass thin-film solar modules